"Break step" is an important function when troops or many people cross a bridge. If all march in unison, the bridge could start to undulate or bounce.. and possibly collapse!

The Babbage engine is the first know form of a computing process, otherwise known as an "analytical" or "difference" engine. Charles Babbage is credited with developing this device in the early 1800s. http://www.computerhistory.org/babbage/engines/

A "strobe" in reference to computing is the process of scanning rows and columns of memory structure, erasing and writhing as needed to form a working random access memory platform. The two actions must be timed exactly to ensure no errors are created. http://www.masterslair.com/memory-ram-t ... d-trp-tras

As to "loctal", that is a type of electronic vacuum tube with a metal center locator pin with a ridge on it. It locks into the socket, and does not vibrate out like regular tubes might. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_socket

"Nixie" is also a type of electronic vacuum tube with up to 14 pin connections. It is actually a neon gas tube, with grids that are shaped in the form of numerals or letter segments. They were popular as "digital" clocks in the late 1960s and early 1970s. But the life of the tubes was not great. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nixie_tube

What does "hermaphroditic" have to do with computing?That term refers to a device or cable connector that is not gender specific. Both connectors have male and female plugs and sockets. It was part of the link connections used with Token Ring networking, as well with other data feeds.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_of ... roditic.29

Anyone recall what a "Token Ring" was?That was an early form of networking data sharing. Originally only 4 Mb/s speed in 1985, was upped to 16 Mb/s in 1989. Not a popular form of networking today. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Token_ring

Ever heard of a "celluloid omelet"? No, not from a plastic egg! A "celluloid omelet" refers to a movie that was a grade "C" production (flop). Older movie projector film was made from celluloid.

Is a "bootstrap" for keeping boots on your feet?May help sometimes, but a "bootstrap" is an important function with computers.This is the process where the BIOS and POST activities cease, and the operation is handed over to the OS.

Some early stereo (binaural) records were far different from today's records. Two tracks were stamped into a side, one being the 'left' channel, the other being the 'right' channel. A large pickup arm in the form of a tuning fork played both tracks for true stereo sound. Emory Cook (1913-2002) was the inventor of that system.http://www.soundfountain.com/cook/cook- ... aural.html

c327 wrote:What about the key that raised the carriage up so you could type on the red part of the ribbon?

There was a special "shift" key on some typewriter brands, with half-red half-black marking. Smith-Corona was one brand. On some models, you had to hold down the key. Others, press down then back or forward to lock. The "QWERTY" standard keyboard was patented in 1896.

c327 wrote:What about the key that raised the carriage up so you could type on the red part of the ribbon?

in the same principle was the dot matrix color printers based, a multicolor ribbon and a mechanism that raised or lowered the ribbon to print in the selected color, results weren´t that bad but I never liked

"I have only come here seeking knowledge,
Things they would not teach me of in college"
-Wrapped Around Your Fingers-
-The Police-